Tea Time Interview

Photo, make-up and hair: Katrin Unge.

Sinical Magazine: When were you born and where? Where are you currently located?

Tea Time: I was born in Stockholm in 1990, and I’ve lived here all my life. I think I’ll move to a smaller city as soon as I’m done with my university studies, though. I much prefer peace and quiet to the stress of city life.

Sinical Magazine: How did you get started in modeling?

Tea Time: It was sort of an accident. In 2007 I was part of the Stockholm Pride Parade and my picture got taken a lot. As a result, an incredibly talented photographer wanted to plan a proper photo shoot with me and after that things just spiraled.

Sinical Magazine: What was the first magazine you came across that made you want to become a model? If not a magazine, what inspired you?

Tea Time: I’m not sure what my very first inspiration was, but it was probably something like a Tex Avery cartoon or a Vargas drawing. I remember thinking that these pinup-style women looked incredible when I saw these things as a kid. Don’t even get me started on Jessica Rabbit. But it wasn’t until I was already part of the alt. modeling scene that I discovered that it was full of awesome magazines. It’s so flattering to have been featured in as many of them as I have.

Sinical Magazine: What do you think makes a model stand out from others?

Tea Time: Within the alt. industry it’s a tricky question. We are so many, and with very different aesthetic ideas and ideals. I guess, to some people at least, I stand out from a lot of other alt. models. I make this assumption because I have been accused of not belonging here because I haven’t had any permanent modifications like tattoos, piercings or surgery. I think this is pretty absurd, since (to me at least) the whole point of the alt. industry is that we are allowed to be ourselves and express our own creativity. The models that stand out to me are the ones who do more than model, the ones who create sets and props and such to make their ideas come to life.

Sinical Magazine: From a model’s perspective, what do you think is the most important aspect of a photo?

Tea Time: If I am involved in creating a shoot I’d say that the most important thing is to have my own ideas incorporated in it. I am not really a fan of involving stylists in my projects for that reason. I’m not a model just to stand around and wear awesome designs (even though that can be fun too); I guess I might be more of a stylist at heart. I love designing sets and outfits, planning themes and picking the right accessories. To me, the most important part is making sure that everyone involved gets to use their creativity which isn’t always easy during shoots where I’m merely the model. Sure, using my own face and body in creative ways is awesome, but I much prefer being involved in what goes into the shoot other than that as well.

Sinical Magazine: Clothing wise, what are your fetishes and why?

Tea Time: It depends on what I’m doing. I love corsets and latex for shoots and shows, if I’m going to be on a stage or in front of a camera I go for things that make me feel empowered and confident. I love catsuits, almost regardless of the material they are made of, so I’m definitely planning on getting some catsuits for when I play live with my band! But if I’m dressing up privately, I’m more of a nylons and garter belts type of person.

Sinical Magazine: What type of music do you listen to?

Tea Time: I listen to a lot of different things! Musically, I was raised on my dad’s record collection which consists mainly of things like Deep Purple, Aerosmith and AC/DC. By now my own collection has had everything from Spice Girls to Wagner in it, I think the only things I’ve always been completely allergic to are rap and hip-hop.

Sinical Magazine: What is the alt/fetish scene like in your city?

Tea Time: Pretty good! Just the other night I was at a fetish club called Dekadance where I got to open Maebelle Latex’s first ever runway show. It was a pretty big honour for me to be asked to not only take part but to open for her since I really love Maebelle’s designs. Sweden in general is pretty good at Burlesque themed parties too which is great for anyone who is into corsets or vintage styles.

Sinical Magazine: Besides modeling, what else do you like to do for fun?

Tea Time: I’m quite the bookworm, so most likely I’ll be sitting around the house reading some old gothic novel. Right now I don’t have a lot of spare time since I’m working on a Bachelor’s degree project in criminology. I’m also in the middle of creating an album and planning live shows and music videos for my band as well as planning some photo shoots, both as a model/stylist and for the band.

Sinical Magazine: Can you tell us about your band?

Tea Time: Sure! I’m actually the third female vocalist to record an album with Ashbury Heights, originally it was supposed to be an old friend of mine but she had a bit too much on her schedule already. It’s interesting to be the third featured singer, I guess people will be making a lot of comparisons once the album is out. I’m the first female half of the band to have a hand in anything other than recording vocals, and so far I think working on the lyrics has actually been my favourite part. Since we’re both fans of classic literature, old point-and-click adventures and video games we’ve put quite a few nerdy references into this album. I’m excited to see which ones the fans pick up on! Right now we’re in the middle of finishing the album and figuring out which songs we think would make for cool videos.

Sinical Magazine: What’s up next for you?

Tea Time: In January I’ll be done with my university studies for the time being as I’ll have my degree. I am considering trying for a Master’s degree but I can’t try to get accepted to Master’s program until September, so I’ll probably use that time to focus properly on Ashbury Heights.